and am not impressed. I am so glad I got the 2k3 and not the 2k4. The 2k4 seemed to have a shimmy at freeway speeds that increased under acceleration. The motor vibrated badly, not nearly as smooth as either of my 5th gens. Rear leg room seemed to have shrunk. The car felt like a boat, you can really feel the weight. Oh also, it is built in the USA, gee I wonder how many door panels are loose or missing bolts when the worker decided to go the the bathroom and the cover guy f-ed it all up.

Anyway, the 5th gen will be my last Maxima unless something big happens ie 300hp AWD.

BTW, the new GTO 0-60 in 5.3 and the 1/4 mile in 13.6! I wonder how much plastic is built into that thing? It does come with a Blaupunkt stereo stock!

Mark

 

Yeah, I test drove a SL model about a month back. Actually my impressions was that it handled like a smaller car than it actually is. Same great engine and only time will tell about the build quality. Its the derivative Altima styling that kills it. One things for sure, I definitely don't feel the need to trade in my 5th gen of that thing.

 

I could have gotten a 2k4 when I went to get my 2k3 for 3g's more, But I didn't like the way it looks inside. I love the way my 2k3 T.E looks inside and out.

 

i dunno.... i dont think i would even get in tat car cuz.. its sooo hidious..... ugly *** HELL!!! yea but tats just me........ i like my 5th gen WAYYYY better... i just dont see how from the 5th gen became wat it is now.... nissan mess up!

 

BTW the GTO is not a Pontiac, n all actuality. It's a Holden Monaro which is a very well respected marque and model. I think the interior looks pretty damn nice.





The guages and seats are color matched to the body color, which is way cool imo.

Oh, and yeah the 04 Maxima's arent a step ahead, imo. Look at what they did with the 04 TL, it now looks very sporty, and distinctive. I'd rather have a kinda plain looking car (TL), than an ugly one (04 Max).

 

^^ Sweet interior

I too drove an 04 SL, nice but I love my Six Speeder !!

 

I seen the new TL on the road. I actually like it. But I don't want car payments for a while.

 

I was rolling in my friend's 04 SL, its very floaty for some reason (weight i guess), but my 02 seems to hold the road better... I know the 04 has independent suspension..

but when my 04 Subaru STi Comes in.... the max may go .. or I may keep it and wait to get the STi when it may get a clearance

 

It's interesting how many different opinions on the Gen 6's are expressed here on this Board....I drove one and found just the opposite as many say....LESS torque steer than an '03, very quiet & smooth. I do agree it feels more 'sedate' than our Gen 5. Interesting.

I agree on the ersatz GTO -the Monaro...that will be one sweet car. And lest you have any questions about the availability of performance goodies for this car, all you need to do is watch one of the Australian V8 Supercar races on SPEED channel...those Aussies can make those Monaros fly...

Lesse..whats the cost of freight and tax from Australia? Hmmmm.....business opportunity, anyone?

 

I like the way the rear looks and the overall shape of the '04 Max. But I think the front end, esp the grille, looks horrible.

 

Having never driven an 02 or 03 only my 01, maybe i can add a different perspective. i test drove an 04 sl and was amazed. the exterior styling is hideous. the interior styling is elegant and most important, VERY quality. The ride was firm but not harsh, the body was stiff, the steering was smooth (maybe a little too smooth), and the engine was peppy. BUt, my main gripe, the engine did not feel like the VQ i know and love in my 01. It didn't seem to rev right, it seemed like it was trying to be a cadillac engine instead of the smooth free-revving VQ. It just didn;t have the step-on-the-gas, get up and go right away that I knew.

But hey, this is my 2 cents and this topic prolly belongs more in 6th gen anyway.

 

The reason it didnt feel so peppy was maybe because it was not broken in. The throttle response is weak until you begin to put some miles on it. I was going to get a 5th gen. but instead I ended up getting the 6th gen and I dont regret it. May I add that my girlfriend has an 02 auto and I drive a 6 speed 04. anyways Her car does ride smoother but thats because its riding on 17s and not 18s. also it revs smooth than the 04 but thats not a concern with me. The reason I chose the 04 was the looks, I think the outside looks awsome! Im sorry but the people who say the sportyness died off at the 5th gen are dead wrong. IMO the 6th gen is the sportiest looking maxima every made. my $.02

 

I agree with you about the Monaro/GTO. It will be awesome. It would be the first American sports car along with the ZO6 that I would ever consider buying. And the Australian V8 Supercar racing is awesome. It is one of my favorite racing series on Speed channel. I had a chance to go to Sydney a year ago, and it was amazing. I saw plenty of modded Monaro's and Ford falcons. There is definately plenty that can be done with those cars.

 

that's because of the drive by wire throttle. no direct cable linkage

 

long live the 5th gens

 

I just watched Motor Trend TV and they reviewed (and were impressed with) the new GTO. I'm almost embarrassed to say that I kinda like the GTO. I think it will redefine Pontiac for the better.